Are you aspiring to serve as a Medical Officer in various esteemed government departments in India? The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination 2026, a prestigious opportunity for medical graduates seeking to join central health services, railways, NDMC, and MCD. This comprehensive job description provides all necessary details about the recruitment process, eligibility criteria, application process, exam pattern, and more to help you prepare effectively and apply confidently.
UPSC CMS 2026 Recruitment Overview
| Advertisement Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Names | Medical Officers Grade (General Duty – Central Health Service), Assistant Divisional Medical Officer (Railways), General Duty Medical Officer (NDMC), GDMO Grade-II (MCD) |
| Total Vacancies | 1358 |
| Advertisement Number | Examination Notice No. 9/2026-CMS |
| Salary | Pay Level-10: Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 + Non-Practising Allowance (NPA) |
| Qualification Required | Final MBBS passed (written and practical parts) |
| Age Limit | Maximum 32 years (General), 35 years (for CHS Medical Officers) as on 01.08.2026 |
| Application Fee | Rs. 200/-; Exempted for Female, SC, ST, PwBD candidates |
| Application Start Date | 11 March 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 March 2026 (06:00 PM) |
| Examination Date | 2 August 2026 |
| Official Websites | https://upsc.gov.in, https://upsconline.nic.in |
Important Downloads
Candidates are advised to download and thoroughly read the official notification PDF for detailed information on vacancy distribution, eligibility, and application instructions. The direct link to the PDF is provided below:
Download UPSC CMS 2026 Notification PDF
Vacancy Details and Category Breakdown
Vacancy Distribution
| Category | Post Name | No. of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Category-I | Medical Officers Grade in General Duty Medical Officers Sub-cadre of Central Health Service (CHS) | 864 |
| Category-II | Assistant Divisional Medical Officer (Railways) | 450 |
| General Duty Medical Officer (NDMC) | 14 | |
| GDMO Grade-II (MCD) | 30 | |
| Total | 1358 |
Vacancy for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)
| Post | PwBD Vacancies | Sub-category |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Officers Grade – General Duty (CHS) | 34 | OA, OL, BL, OAL, CP, LC, DW, AAV |
| Assistant Divisional Medical Officer (Railways) | 18 | Locomotor Disability |
| GDMO NDMC | NIL | – |
| GDMO Grade-II (MCD) | 2 | Locomotor Disability |
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality and Citizenship
Applicants must be citizens of India or meet the eligibility of subjects of Nepal, Bhutan, Tibetan refugees (who came before 1 January 1962), or Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) migrating from certain countries. Candidates under categories (b) to (e) require an eligibility certificate from the Government of India.
Academic Qualifications
The candidate should have passed the written and practical parts of the final MBBS Examination from a recognized university. Those appearing for the final MBBS examination are also eligible to apply provisionally, subject to passing the exam and submitting proof within 15 days of result declaration.
Internship and Medical Fitness
A valid rotating internship completion certificate is required for appointment. Candidates must be physically and medically fit as per CMS regulations, with standards specified in Appendix III of the exam rules.
Marital Status
Persons who have entered into or contracted a marriage with a person having a living spouse, or have a spouse with whom they are not legally divorced, are generally ineligible unless permitted under personal law and with approval from the Central Government.
Age Limit and Relaxation
| Category | Maximum Age Limit (as of 01.08.2026) |
|---|---|
| General | 32 Years |
| CHS Medical Officers | 35 Years |
| SC/ST Candidates | Relaxation by up to 5 years |
| OBC Candidates | Relaxation by up to 3 years |
| Defense Personnel Disabled in Operations | Relaxation by up to 3 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (min. 5 years Military Service) | Relaxation by up to 5 years |
| ECOs/SSCOs (extended beyond 5 years) | Relaxation by up to 5 years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | Relaxation by up to 10 years |
Application Process
Step-by-Step Guide
Applicants should complete their application online through the official UPSC portal (https://upsconline.nic.in). The application process involves four modules:
- Account Creation: Register with basic details.
- Universal Registration Number (URN) Profile: Create a one-time profile.
- Common Application Form (CAF): Fill personal and academic details.
- Examination Specific Module: Select examination centers, upload documents, and pay fees.
Required Documents for Upload
- Recent scanned passport-sized photograph (.jpg, 20-200 KB)
- Signature (.jpg, 20-100 KB); signed thrice on plain white paper with black ink
- Photo ID proof such as Aadhaar, Voter Card, PAN, Passport, Driving License
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount | Exemption |
|---|---|---|
| Open/OBC/EWS | Rs. 200/- | Female, SC, ST, PwBD |
Payment must be made online via Net Banking, credit/debit cards, or UPI. No fee refunds are allowed once paid.
Important Dates
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 11 March 2026 |
| Start of Online Application | 11 March 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 March 2026 (06:00 PM) |
| Written Examination | 02 August 2026 |
| E-Admit Card Availability | Last working day of the week prior to exam |
| Answer Key & Representation Window | 3rd to 7th day after exam (until 6:00 PM) |
Examination Pattern and Selection Process
Written Examination (Total 500 Marks)
The written exam comprises two objective papers, each carrying 250 marks:
| Paper | Subjects | Marks | Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | General Medicine & Paediatrics | 250 | 120 (96 + 24) | 2 hours |
| Paper-II | Surgery, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Preventive & Social Medicine | 250 | 120 (40 + 40 + 40) | 2 hours |
Questions are MCQs in English only. Negative marking of 0.33 per wrong answer applies.
Personality Test / Interview (100 Marks)
Candidates who clear the written exam will undergo a personality test to evaluate traits like general knowledge, confidence, integrity, and leadership qualities.
Result and Tie-Breaking Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Rank Calculation | Based on total marks (written + interview) |
| Tie-Breaker 1 | Higher marks in written exam |
| Tie-Breaker 2 | Older age (date of birth) |
| Tie-Breaker 3 | Earlier completion of internship |
| Final Resolution | Discretion of the Commission |
Examination Centers
Exam centers are located across 48 cities in India, including major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and others. PwBD candidates can select their preferred centers beyond the general ceiling limits.
All candidates must reach their designated exam venue at least 30 minutes prior. Face authentication is mandatory for entry.
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Procedure
- Visit the official UPSC online portal: https://upsconline.nic.in
- Create an account or login if already registered.
- Complete the Universal Registration Number (URN) profile once in your lifetime.
- Fill out the Common Application Form, providing personal, educational, and contact details.
- Select preferred examination centers.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and ID proof.
- Pay the application fee online via Net Banking or card/UPI options.
- Submit the application and take a printout for your records.
Note: Multiple applications from the same candidate are prohibited. Ensure accurate information and documents before submission.
Candidates currently employed in government service should submit an undertaking from their employer.
Important Links
Additional Information
Candidates are encouraged to prepare well for both the written test and personality interview. Regularly check the official UPSC website for updates regarding admit cards, exam instructions, and results. Proper planning and adherence to guidelines will ensure a smooth application and examination experience.
For further assistance, candidates can contact the UPSC helpline during the operational period from 11 March 2026 to 31 March 2026, between 10:00 AM and 5:30 PM.